Keith Kizer: Peterson might be stripped off his titles – Boxing News
Lamont Peterson, the current unified IBF and WBA super lightweight champion, was tested positive for synthetic testosterone last month. To defend him, Jeff Fried, Peterson’s lawyer, argued to the Nevada Athletic Commission saying that Peterson’s act of not
making the commission aware of the situation was unintentional. According to Fried, his negligence was the main reason why he was tested positive and he did not intend to breach the code of ethics.
The dope tests were conducted by the Volunteer Anti-Doping Association (VADA) during the month of March and April. According to Fried, Peterson failed to pass the tests due to his negligence. The Nevada State Athletic Commission’s decision is pending for
Wednesday. If the commission recognizes the reason and allows Peterson to compete against Khan on May 19, the fight will be on. However, if the commission reserves Peterson from competing then the rematch against Khan will be in jeopardy.
Amir Khan, who was eager to get the rematch to grab his titles back from Peterson, is now under pressure. If the commission disapproves Peterson’s condition, Khan will not have his rematch and instead he might have to fight with another opponent.
Yesterday, the executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission Keith Kizer told reporters, “Lamont Peterson is not licensed to fight in Nevada and will not be unless his attorney comes up with a legitimate excuse for testing positive. I expect
to hear from them by the end of the day today. My understanding is that if he is not licensed, the May 19 fight will be canceled and Golden Boy ( Khan's promoter) will try to find another opponent for Khan at a later date.”
On the other hand, Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions said, “Khan is very disappointed, but will follow whatever the commission decides to do. My full focus is to work with the commission and get to the bottom of this and do what's right.”
Kizer also said that Peterson is on the verge of getting his titles striped off if he is unable to justify his act or his condition.
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